CRICKETER Rob Franks' first outing in the England side since having his leg amputated ended with a dramatic win against rivals Wales.

The Poole player, who had his left leg amputated in 2018 after enduring seven years of pain caused by a tumour in his knee, nerve damage and a broken bone, was thrilled with his call-up to the England disability squad.

Rob, who is a coach at Parley Cricket Club, told the Echo: "I think it was one of my best performances for England."

England beat the Welsh by just five runs during the indoor match at Lords earlier this month.

Aside from batting 19 not out, Rob bowled the final over – which Wales needed just six runs from to triumph.

Rob said: "I batted well and steadied the ship and scored some important runs.

"I probably bowled better than I ever have in an England shirt, my off spin seemed to work well and stopped the batsmen scoring.

"I am absolutely over the moon that I was picked to play again and I'm even more happy that I was able to contribute and help the team win when the odds were stacked against us.

"I find it quite strange that since I've had my leg amputated my game has gone up by 30 per cent."

The married father-of-two was injured playing cricket in 2011 and afterwards doctors discovered an aggressive tumour in his left knee.

He had an operation, but a routine check-up two years later showed the growth had returned – this time it was bigger than ever.

So Rob was forced to undergo a second operation. But this procedure caused nerve damage, leaving him requiring crutches and a wheelchair to get around.

Then in 2014 he joined a cricket club for people with disabilities but suffered a broken leg in just his second game for the side.

While surgeons managed to repair the break, Rob was left in constant agony up until his amputation last year.

This operation was only possible after friends and supporters helped him raise the funds needed.

Rob last played for the England disability side in 2017, about a year before his amputation.

On his latest outing he said: "Yes I've had to change the way I play, my stance is different to what it used to be and I'm on a three step bowling run up but it works for me and I feel so so confident for the season ahead with Parley, Middlesex and if I'm lucky enough to get another international appearance, England."